Jordanian feature-film ‘Amira’ submitted for 2022 Oscars

AMMAN — Jordan nominated the feature-narrative film “Amira”, by Mohamed Diab, as its official entry for the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars) to compete in the international feature film category.

The committee chose this feature based on the recommendations of an independent committee consisting of Jordanian experts in the writing and audio-visual scenes, according to a Royal Film Commission statement.

The film was entirely shot in Jordan in 2019 and is co-produced by Jordan, Egypt and Palestine. The independent committee, made up of nine members, was formed by The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC), as the country’s official submitting body for the Oscars. 

The RFC had announced, last September, an open call for submissions for feature narrative films to be nominated to the Academy Awards, then organised the process and compiled the applications.

The film follows Amira, a 17-year-old Palestinian, who was conceived with the smuggled sperm of her imprisoned father, Nawar. 

Although their relationship since birth has been restricted to prison visits, he remains her hero. His absence in her life is overcompensated with love and affection from those surrounding her. But, suddenly, Amira’s world turns upside down, according to the film’s description in the statement.

The cast includes Jordanian actor Saba Mubarak, the emerging Jordanian actor Tara Abboud, who plays the role of “Amira”, the Jordanian actor Suhaib Nashawan, as well as the Palestinian actors Ali Suliman, Waleed Zuaiter and Kais Nashif.

The film was shot in Amman and Salt and the majority of the crew of around 128 individuals were Jordanians, said the statement.

“Amira” had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where it won two major awards. 

The film also received a Special Mention at Carthage Film Festival (JCC) and participated at El Gouna Film Festival, Palestine Film Days, Chicago International Film Festival and Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival.

“Amira is a powerful examination of identity and humanity seen through the eyes of a young girl searching for herself. Mohamed Diab’s masterful filmmaking absorbs the viewer through the nuances of internal conflict so beautifully depicted by his incredible cast, mainly: Tara Abboud, Saba Mubarak and Ali Suliman,” said the statement.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences will announce the shortlisted films for the 2022 Oscars on December 21, whereas the nominated films will be announced on February 8 of next year. 

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 27, 2022.

With this selection, Jordan had submitted, in the past years, a total of six films for the same category: “Captain Abu Raed” by Amin Matalqa, “Cherkess” by Mohyeddin Qandour, “Theeb” by Naji Abu Nowar, “3000 Nights” by Mai Masri, “200 Meters” by Ameen Nayfeh. 

The Kingdom was last nominated for the race in 2016 for “Theeb” by Naji Abu Nowar. Another Jordanian short film — “Baheya and Mahmoud” by Zaid Abu Hamdan — had also made its way by qualifying for the Oscars nomination in 2012.